Your hair is not real if you haven't already known of split ends. If you face split ends, make sure to read this whole article for some of the best tips and remedies.
Split ends do not look pretty and are actually indicators of poor hair health.
Extreme split ends just have to be chopped off however mild split ends can be taken care of with quick action and care.
Read on to know what causes split ends, how to get rid of them and how to prevent them from showing up again and again.
What Are Split Ends?
Trichoptilosis, known by the less complicated term Split Ends, is the splitting or fraying of a single hair strand into two (or more) parts.
Split ends mostly occur on the hair ends but can occur anywhere on the hair strand.
The cells in the hair ends are the oldest and hence they are most susceptible to damage.
Split ends are not very noticeable in the beginning, maybe just a few frays and split ends here and there; but if left unchecked they can soon make the whole hair look dry, frizzy and scraggly.
Large amounts of visible split ends indicate that the hair is unhealthy and damaged. Split ends make the hair brittle and prone to breakage.
Types Of Split Ends
1. Mini or Beginning split ends
2. Branch shaped split ends
3. Fork shaped split ends
4. Candle shaped split ends
5. Tree-shaped split ends
6. Knotted split ends
What Causes Split Ends?
1. Genetics
2. Heat damage
- Hair straightening
- Hot curling iron
- Hot blow drying
- Heat styling
- Steaming
3. Chemical stress
- Chemical hair perming
- Chemical relaxing
- Chemical hair colouring
- Chemical hair bleaching
- Chemicals in unsuitable hair care products
4. Mechanical stress
- Brushing excessively
- Brushing aggressively
- Drying the hair too roughly
- Hair getting rubbed against rough fabrics.
5. Natural ageing, wear and tear of hair
6. Environmental factors
- Exposure to direct sunlight
- Exposure to strong winds
- Exposure to rainwater
- Exposure to saltwater
- Chlorinated water in swimming pools
7. Nutritional factors
- Poor diet
- Lack of hydration
8. Washing too often or oiling infrequently
How To Get Rid Of Split Ends?
1. Trimming
Trimming is really the best solution to treating split ends.
Trim your hair after every six to eight weeks to nip the problem of split ends in the bud. Get your hair trimmed at a salon or trim it yourself if you can.
Trimming your hair routinely will keep them healthy and more manageable.
2. Dusting
Dusting involves dividing the hair into sections and patiently cutting the hair only a few inches above the split ends. You only have to cut your damaged hair instead of chopping all the hairs as in trimming.
Dusting keeps the overall length of the hair almost intact. Although dusting can take up a lot of time.
Dusting can be done at a salon or at home too.
3. Burning
Candle burning or Velaterapia involves twisting sections of hair and swiftly burning it halfway through with a lighted candle. This essentially burns the damaged parts of your hair.
Candle burning should be done only by professionals. Do not try to do it yourself. You might end up burning your hair or skin.
3. Keratin Treatment
Keratin treatment is a chemical treatment that smoothens frizzy hair and makes it shinier, glossier, and healthier.
Keratin treatments involve injecting the porous parts of the hair strand with keratin proteins.
Keratin treatments are available in salons and last for a few months.
You can also do keratin treatments at home.
[Also Read: DIY Keratin Treatment Hair Masks At Home For Dry And Dull Hair]
4. Deep Conditioning
Deep Condition your hair at least once a week to keep it healthy and nourished.
Deep conditioning replenishes nutrients and moisture in the hair making it stronger and smoother.
Look for good quality shampoos, conditioners and serums that deep condition your hair.
You can also make hair masks at home for pampering your hair with natural ingredients.
[Also Read: DIY Deep Conditioning Hair Masks For Strong, Silky And Smooth Hair]
Split Ends Prevention Tips
1. Use a wide-tooth comb to slowly detangle your hair. Wooden combs are the best. You can get one here.
2. Brush your hair very gently. Hair is fragile and should be treated with care. Brushing aggressively or using force is harmful to the hair.
3. If your hair is knotted then start combing from the bottom. Start detailing from the ends and gently work your way up.
4. Try not to use hair straighteners or curling irons too often. If you really must, then make sure to keep the heat below 350.
5. Make sure that your hair is clean before you use heat treatments. Using a hot iron on hair containing oil, shampoo or conditioner residue can harm the hair.
6. Do not forget to use a hair protection spray or serum on your hair before styling it with heat. This will protect your hair strands from the heat and prevent split ends.
7. Don't break off split ends. Breaking the hair strand with force will lead to more split ends. Always trim the hair ends neatly with a sharp scissor or shearing tool.
8. Always wash your hair with cold water to prevent hair damage. Use lukewarm water if necessary. Never use hot water for rinsing your hair.
9. Do not wrap your hair up in towels for long.
10. Do not wipe your wet hair with coarse towels. Gently wring out water from your hair and simply pat dry it using a cotton towel or t-shirt to avoid friction.
11. Let your hair air dry naturally. If you are in a hurry then semi-dry it with a blow dryer and let the rest dry naturally. Or let it air dry first and then style it by blow-drying in the end.
12. Never let the blow dryer's nozzle touch your hair directly. Hold it a few inches away from your hair to minimize damage.
13. Use hair-friendly hair accessories that do not cause tangles, breakage or damage.
Scrunchies, ribbons or cloth made hairbands are good options. Do not use tight elastic bands or clips with metal parts for long.
14. Protect your hair with accessories like umbrellas, scarves or wide-brimmed hats while going out under the sun.
15. Do not use hair care products that contain sulfate, paraben, alcohol and artificial fragrances. Choose mild and organic products.
16. Style your hair in loose braids while going to sleep to prevent it from getting tangled or breaking.
17. Use silk or satin pillowcases since they prevent hair from getting frizzy.
18. Eat lots of hair-friendly food rich in Vitamin E like nuts, seeds, fresh fruits, avocado, leafy green vegetables, and fish. Vegetable oils and Omega 3 fatty acids are great for healthy hair.
19. Drink enough water to stay hydrated.
[Also Read: Home Remedies For Strong & Shiny Hair In 2021]
Product Recommendations
- WOW Coconut & Avocado Oil No Parabens & Sulphate Hair Conditioner
- Mirah Belle Dry Hair Oil - Frizzy and Damaged Hair - Split Ends
- Matrix Fbb Opticare Smooth Straight Split End Shea Butter Hair Serum
- Schwarzkopf Professional BC Peptide Repair Rescue Sealed Ends
- GLOW THEORY Moroccan Argan Oil Conditioner with Coffee Oil & Biotin Protein
- Inatur Keratin Shampoo, Stimulate Hair Growth, Mends Split Ends, Damage Control
- phos4us Hair Repair Masque for Dry, Damaged and Frizzy hair
- Aadi Bringa Hair Oil for Hair Fall, Split Ends, Dry Scalp and New Hair Growth
- MATRIX Biolage 6 In 1 Smooth Proof Deep Smoothing Serum
- Khadi Veda Goat Milk With Protein Hair Shampoo Controls frizz and split ends
...
If you liked this article and it was helpful, make sure you follow us on the social media platforms and subscribe to PinkAdda for amazing content delivered straight to your mailbox! ❤️
Subscribe
Get the best we have to offer right in your inbox
